Marvel Universe Live a match made in motorcycle heaven
It’s a match made in motorcycle heaven, and a chance to channel one’s inner meanie
In Marvel Universe, Madame Hydra would never fall for Captain America. But in the real world, the actors playing the superhero and super villain are a match made in motorcycle heaven.
Sarah Whitmore plays the Avengers foe In Marvel Universe Live, an elaborate stage show that unites motorcycles, the hugest heroes and biggest baddies the comic franchise has to offer. Her fiancé Phil Smage plays the always noble Captain America.
“He likes to make jokes that he’s the good guy who saves the day and I’m just a villain,” she said at a tour stop in Ontario, Calif.
He’d be wise to keep his mouth shut. Whitmore wields a whip in her role. She also occasionally gets to play an old lady who swats Captain America with her purse.
“I tell him, ‘If I’m really mad at you today, I’ll put some rocks or something heavy in that purse,’” she said with a laugh.
The couple met through their shared passion; Whitmore’s been racing for more than 20 years.
Smage wanted to audition for the show and got word they were looking for another female rider. After getting engaged, they wanted to be in the same place. It worked out that they were both hired for the show.
It’s an interesting challenge for the relationship after nearly a year on tour together.
“I’ve had a lot of friends that were like, ‘If you can make it together on tour, marriage will be no problem.’”
With her racing career winding down, the last thing Whitmore wanted was to end up in an office, but she had no idea her skills would lead to something like Marvel Universe Live.
“When you’re racing your whole life and life is only about motorcycles pretty much, the thought of going and getting a desk job doesn’t sit well with me. I couldn’t punch the clock and go in nine to five every day,” she said. “I get to ride my motorcycle at work, so it’s pretty cool.”
She even gets to take her own bike along with her. The cast members who spend most of the show on two wheels love to go riding in their downtime. It eases the strain of touring to do what she loves best.
Playing Madame Hydra goes against type for Whitmore. On the motocross circuit her nickname was Sarah Smile. She said its fun to snarl at everybody for a change.
“I think most girls like to play the bad girl sometimes,” she said.
Channelling her inner meanie was a challenge in rehearsals. Though their characters are sworn enemies, Whitmore’s actually good friends with the woman who plays Black Widow. She was often tempted to crack a smile or laugh because she was having such a good time.
But it’s not just motocross skills that lands a person in Marvel Universe. Josh Murillo’s CrossFit experience was his way in. Though he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in audio (he plays seven instruments), fitness became a huge passion, eventually leading to stunt work. His fiancée saw the audition notice for Marvel Universe, and even though he was exhausted from a CrossFit competition the day before, he decided to go for it.
“Once I saw what everybody could do in the audition I was super excited and really wanted to do it,” he said. “Luckily, I got the job.”
Not only did he land the role of The Hulk, he also works on the show as stunt captain.
Murillo said he loves connecting with the audience, which is always excited when the giant, green monster makes his appearance.
“The Hulk makes his entrance at a big moment in the show, and it’s very gratifying to walk on stage and hear a big roar from the crowd,” he said.